Fergus Legion Branch 275 ladies auxiliary celebrates 70 years

As part of her introductory remarks at the Sept. 10 council meeting, Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj noted Fergus Legion Branch 275 “celebrated a very special event this past weekend.”

She thanked councillor Mary Lloyd who attended on the mayor’s behalf.

Ross-Zuj said the fashion show was a good event to celebrate the group’s long history.

“On June 3, 1942, the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League granted a charter to the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 275. Through the years, the first concern of the auxiliary has been for the veterans in our community. We keep in touch with our veterans through Parkwood Veterans Hospital in London, Ontario and make yearly donations to its wish list fund.”

Through the daffodil luncheons in support of the Cancer Society, blood donor clinics, fundraiser for Groves Hospital, bursaries for secondary school students and many other events the auxiliary continues to support the community and the legion branch.

Records show that between 1989 and 2011, the group has donated over $199,000 to the community.

“It’s a lovely contribution the ladies auxiliary has made to our community,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd commented the fashion show featured the fashions of 1860s with a retired nurse providing colorful commentary on all of the different garments worn.

“I thought to myself it would take an awful long time to get ready in 1860 as a woman customarily wore 12 layers of attire from her drawers to her outer garments. It was quite an interesting time.”